Corvette: New member saying hello and a quick question

Is it normal for the c5's to run pretty hot? My 2004 runs between 200
& 230. It seems awfully hot and a big variance to boot. Just
wondering.

In <google.com>, com (ChevyMan) writes: 

Since you've probably got less than 5K on the car, relax
--enjoy--wait until it rolls over 10K and if it's still an issue
take some action.

This has been a GM fettish for over two decades. Higher
target temps simplify emission control, save radiator weight,
help gas mileage a bit, and make for better 'driveability.'
(That's GM-ese for quicker warm-up in the morning.) For
us SoCal types (and Saudi drivers), cooling is more stable
out on the desert in the summertime. I rolled through Death
Valley in a rented C5 earlier this year (OAT was 118 deg.)
without a hint of an overtemp problem. The newer coolant
works well at these temps. Synthetic motor oil solves the
other half of the cooling equation.

For us old farts who think that 212 deg. is deep trouble,
they've 'solved' the problem. On my bride's Buick the
mid-point on the analog gauge is at about 200 F. and there
are no numbers on the gauge. (One must go way deep into
the DIC menu to read the actual temps.) Temp contol in that
car is also more precise (they've got a smaller engine,
narrower HP output range and easier air path through the
radiator--all of these qualities are missing in the 'vette.)

For quick help--if this is worrisome, turning on the A/C or
front defrost will kick on the cooling fan unless you are
moving above about 35 mph. If you decide to reprogram
the ECM to lower the fan turn-on temp, you might also
want to crank up the road speed limit to 40 mph. That will
stop fan cycling in heavy, stop-go freeway traffic--at the
price of reducing fan motor life.

Regards, "Mike"
-- mikeellison3xxxatzzzyahoo.com --